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"By God, the fellow actually means fight," he muttered slowly. "He
means fight."


CHAPTER IX
THE FORCE OF CIRCUMSTANCES
She had expected the probability of such a happening, yet her face
perceptibly paled while perusing the brief note handed her by the stage
manager upon coming forth from her dressing-room. Her first impulse
was to refuse compliance, to trust fortune in an endeavor to keep
beyond reach, to turn and run from this new, threatening danger like a
frightened deer. But she recalled the financial necessity which held
her yet a prisoner at the Gayety. This writer was partner in the
gambling rooms, possibly in the theatre also; her chance for escaping
him would be very slender. Besides, it might be far better to face the
man boldly and have it over. Undoubtedly a meeting must occur some
time; as well now as later so that the haunting shadow would not remain
ever before her. The color stole slowly back into her cheeks as she
stood twisting the paper between her fingers, her eyes darkening with
returning courage.


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